Cardiff Metropolitan University hosts 11th European Symposium on Food Safety

​Cardiff Metropolitan University helped host the 11th IAFP European Symposium on Food Safety this month. The University's Food Industry Centre has been responsible for managing the local committee for the prestigious event, which saw between 300 and 400 food industry experts and scientists attend.

The International Association for Food Protection's (IAFP) European Symposium has long been shaping the future of food safety by providing a forum for the exchange of ideas with colleagues from across Europe working within industry, government and academia. IAFP has over 4,000 members across the globe and is one of the top food safety organisations in the world. IAFP is dedicated to 'Advancing Food Safety Worldwide.'

Now in its 11th year, the Symposium is an excellent forum to gain knowledge about the latest developments and techniques in food science and safety.

The Deputy Minister for Health Vaughan Gething AM provided the opening address, and welcomed the industry experts to Cardiff.

In addition to the meeting's scientific symposia, the local committee organised a social event at the National Museum. Upon arrival, guests were welcomed by harpist Hannah Stone, HRH The Prince of Wales' official harpist; followed by a three course meal consisting of locally sourced Welsh food. Dinner entertainment was then provided by Aber Valley Male Voice Choir, giving attendees a true sense of what Wales has to offer.

David Lloyd, Director of the Food Industry Centre said: "It's a real privilege for the University to be able to help organise and hold an event of this size. Food safety is a big part of what we do at the Food Industry Centre, so it's great to be able to welcome so many industry experts to our wonderful city."

Attendees illustrated the global nature of this event with representatives from USA, Australia, Brazil, Korea, Taiwan, Canada, Japan and New Zealand as well as most EU countries.

The Zero2five Food Industry Centre at the University has been created to support food businesses in both a technical and operational capacity, enabling companies to compete more effectively in the global market place. The centre provides knowledge, facilities and resources to support companies in pushing their boundaries, achieve their goals and drive their businesses forward.